what is 7 fishes on christmas eve

That is an old tradition that originated in Southern Italy, where people would serve seven different types of fish to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The seven fishes represent the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Marriage. Each type of fish has a special meaning and significance, and the meal is usually accompanied by other traditional dishes like pasta, bread, and vegetables. It is a symbol of hope and prosperity, and a way to show gratitude for the blessings of the past year.